I put myself out of the box in uncomfortable situations where I can learn and grow. Tell us about your participation in the MTTS I competed against about 30 people here on island in the musical category and was chosen. When I got there I had to compete with over 100 people in my category. I won and also got to meet many professionals in the industry as well as attend different seminars that, as an artiste, helped me to improve and grow in the industry.
other career.
What did you expect to gain from the competition? First of all, everyone was so talented. I didn’t think I would win. I just wanted to be noticed and maybe spread my CDs around and basically go to the seminars.
How would you describe your music? As an artiste I like conscious music, making sure there is a deep message. I do have two mixed tapes out, but I wouldn’t say that any of them represent Lady Livi. It’s just that the label I was representing at the time required me to put out two tapes. When it comes to my art and what I do, I don’t call myself a rapper but a musician because I also like writing my own songs and it’ll always be something deep, something poetic, something positive and something that encourages.
But instead? I got the attention of a lot of important people like record producers Klaus D and Bryan-Michael Cox which I’m particularly happy about. I had so many callbacks from producers, agents and record labels lining up to speak with me after my first performance. A couple of international magazines also approached me for interviews. What do you think they saw in you? Most of them said they liked my ‘raw talent and authenticity’. When did you start rapping and how did it become a part of your life? I’ve had a passion for hip hop and rap since a very early age. I remember spending hours in the mirror when I was a little girl, mimicking Left Eye and MC Lyte’s flow and dance moves. My brother would take me to his school to perform rap battles and I won them all. Everyone was shocked - not ‘cause I was 12, not ‘cause I could rap, but because I was female. He also secretly bought me Dr. Dre and Eminem CDs because mom wouldn’t let us listen to explicit lyrics. But I knew rap would become a part of my life. When did you think it could turn into a career? I’ve always had a desire for music but my passion for turning it into a career didn’t begin until I moved to Jamaica and met some musicians that did this for a living. It made me realise that you could make a living off your talent, it just takes work and dedication like any
What has been your biggest challenge? The mentality of people here towards music, art and sports is that you’re not gonna make it. We don’t have much local support. They think that my hunger is crazy or my dreams are too big.
Who or what inspires you? My inspiration comes from general life experiences. I put myself out of the box in uncomfortable situations where I can learn and grow. As for my idols in the industry, a lot of my flow and inspiration comes from Left Eye, Lauryn Hill, Eve, Erykah Badu and MC Lyte. Now that you’ve caught the attention of big time producers, what are your plans? I’ll be working very closely with Grammy award winning record producer, Bryan-Michael Cox. He’s the guy who produced for Usher and Mariah Carey and a bunch of other artists. I’m so excited to work with him. I have a new project coming out called ‘Me thus far’. It’s an EP with about five or six songs and it’s based on my true story. I am still working with my other producer from Jamaica, SOS Dynamikz, who produced about 85% of my music. What are you looking forward to the most? Tours from companies like iStandard who are known for organising city to city and international tours are in the process of organising a 10 city tour where I will open for rappers like Rick Ross and other well-known artistes. I also have a collaboration with fellow MMTS winner Judah Tha Lion. ISLAND GUIDE SEPTEMBER/oCTOBER 2015 19